Stationary 'bent: A fair comparison to the real thing comfort-wise?

Based on my experience with exercise bikes vs my MTB, I'd guess not - but the question still has
to be asked.

At the gym the other day, I tried an hour on one of thier stationary 'bents (PreCor).

If a real 'bent is anything like that, I couldn't do it. My bony butt was aching from about the
first 20 minutes on - and before winter set in, I was doing 2-3 hours 3-4 times a week on my MTB
with no problem.

Is the stationary 'bent in the gym anywhere near a fair test?
-----------------------
PeteCresswell

 

On Tue, 18 Feb 2003 00:51:44 GMT, "(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote:

>Based on my experience with exercise bikes vs my MTB, I'd guess not - but the question still has to
>be asked.
>
>At the gym the other day, I tried an hour on one of thier stationary 'bents (PreCor).
>
>If a real 'bent is anything like that, I couldn't do it. My bony butt was aching from about the
>first 20 minutes on - and before winter set in, I was doing 2-3 hours 3-4 times a week on my MTB
>with no problem.
>
>Is the stationary 'bent in the gym anywhere near a fair test?
>-----------------------
>PeteCresswell

Peter, I use a road and a stationary recumbent as well as a MTB. No, the "road" recumbent seats are
not a lot like the stationary.

Interestingly, the stationary versions usually have a lot MORE cushion that doesn't seem to
work as well. I can only ride about 20 minutes on the stationary but have no problems with
hours on the road.

 

In article <[email protected]>, Dave Miller <> says...
> On Tue, 18 Feb 2003 00:51:44 GMT, "(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Based on my experience with exercise bikes vs my MTB, I'd guess not - but the question still has
> >to be asked.
> >
> >At the gym the other day, I tried an hour on one of thier stationary 'bents (PreCor).
> >
> >If a real 'bent is anything like that, I couldn't do it. My bony butt was aching from about the
> >first 20 minutes on - and before winter set in, I was doing 2-3 hours 3-4 times a week on my MTB
> >with no problem.
> >
> >Is the stationary 'bent in the gym anywhere near a fair test?
> >-----------------------
> >PeteCresswell
>
> Peter, I use a road and a stationary recumbent as well as a MTB. No, the "road" recumbent seats
> are not a lot like the stationary.
>
> Interestingly, the stationary versions usually have a lot MORE cushion that doesn't seem to work
> as well. I can only ride about 20 minutes on the stationary but have no problems with hours on
> the road.
>

Peter - real bents are much more comfortable for long periods of time than a gym bent (which I also
ride when the weather is bad) for the following reasons:

1. With a low-racer type design using something like an M5 seat, they have a very ergo fit with
good lumbar support and you are quite reclined so the weight is spread over a lot of your
back side.

2. The some of the above-mentioned and with most more "upright" recumbents the seats are often
highly strung mesh which conform to your body more although there is a phenomenon called
"recumbent butt" which is what you are referring to I think and does exist on more upright bikes
where most of the weight is on the rear end. In any case, on a moving recumbent on the road, you
are rocking and shifting weight around more than on a gym bent.

Regards Chris

 

The stationary recumbents usually have very upright seats that are designed more for durability and
easy cleaning rather than comfort. That said, I have managed an hour on one, and probably will again
today. The other thing is I can't really hammer on it or my knees hurt because the Q factor is so
high on these things.

You have a much wider range of choices about seats and bike configuartion with road recumbents.

Boredom is probably the biggest problem. Daytime TV is unwatchable, and I think I would rather be
_in_ a war than watch an hour of CNN endlessly speculating about one. I usually manage a level of
intensity that makes it difficult for me to read.

John Riley

 

I do ride the gym recumbent trainers, but the seats suck. I find the bottom is too deep, that is too
much of my leb contacts the seat, instead of just the glutes. Also, the seatbacks are very upright,
so I have to scoot my butt out, loosing all back support. No comparison, any bent seat I've been on
is better (BikeE, Haluzak, EZ Sport, RANS, Bacchetta)

"(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> Based on my experience with exercise bikes vs my MTB, I'd guess not - but
the
> question still has to be asked.
>
> At the gym the other day, I tried an hour on one of thier stationary
'bents
> (PreCor).
>
> If a real 'bent is anything like that, I couldn't do it. My bony butt
was
> aching from about the first 20 minutes on - and before winter set in, I
was
> doing 2-3 hours 3-4 times a week on my MTB with no problem.
>
> Is the stationary 'bent in the gym anywhere near a fair test?
> -----------------------
> PeteCresswell

 

John Riley wrote:

> Boredom is probably the biggest problem. Daytime TV is unwatchable, and I think I would rather be
> _in_ a war than watch an hour of CNN endlessly speculating about one. I usually manage a level of
> intensity that makes it difficult for me to read.

When driving the turbo trainer, I have a cheap and cheerful CD / Radio / cassette next to the bike.
I have found that The Hives make an excellent accompaniment for maintaining three-figure cadence

Dave Larrington - http://legslarry.crosswinds.net/
===========================================================
Editor - British Human Power Club Newsletter
http://www.bhpc.org.uk/
===========================================================

 

"(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:

> Based on my experience with exercise bikes vs my MTB, I'd guess not - but the question still has
> to be asked.
>
> At the gym the other day, I tried an hour on one of thier stationary 'bents (PreCor).
>
> If a real 'bent is anything like that, I couldn't do it. My bony butt was aching from about the
> first 20 minutes on - and before winter set in, I was doing 2-3 hours 3-4 times a week on my MTB
> with no problem.
>
> Is the stationary 'bent in the gym anywhere near a fair test?
> -----------------------
> PeteCresswell

Fit is critical on a recumbent. A 1/2" move can sometimes be night and day for comfort or peddling.
If you've not ridden one, it's not likely that you'd "fit" yourself just right. another factor.

 

"baronn1" <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:

> I do ride the gym recumbent trainers, but the seats suck.

Nothing much to add, but my vote. I had a Tunturi stationary recumbent, and riding it for 20 minutes
was shear murder. Nearly any "mobile" recumbent can be ridden for hours before any incompatibilty
between seat and body become evident. Should I decide to ride stationary again, I'll just install
one of those resistance trainers on my trike.

rorschandt

 

"rorschandt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "baronn1" <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:
>
> > I do ride the gym recumbent trainers, but the seats suck.
>
> Nothing much to add, but my vote. I had a Tunturi stationary recumbent,
and
> riding it for 20 minutes was shear murder. Nearly any "mobile" recumbent can be ridden for hours
> before any incompatibilty between seat and body become evident. Should I decide to ride stationary
> again, I'll just install one of those resistance trainers on my trike.
>
> rorschandt

I recently finished Physical Therapy for a total knee replacement. I had a choice of a recumbent or
a "DF/wedgie". I chose the DF even though I ride a Scarab trike. There was no comparison with
comfort. (Admittedly, at first, gravity helped my legs during the early PT stages on the DF whereas
I had to fight gravity with the 'bent, but only the very early stages.)

Within a month of surgery, I had about 12" of foam seat cushion material placed on my mesh seat and
struggled to turn the pedals even one revolution. After two weeks, the extra foam cushions were gone
and I was spinning (on rollers) for twenty minutes and ready for a ride on the streets. In the
meantime, I *still* used the upright/DF PT bike for the "formal" PT sessions.

To me there just isn't any easy comparison. Why the PT 'bent was so uncomfortable I'll never know. I
do know that riding my trike on the street within one month of the surgery did more for my recovery
than all that stationary time.

YMMV

Michael Pilla

 

>Subject: Re: Stationary 'bent: A fair comparison to the real thing comfort-wise? From: John Riley
>[email protected] Date: 2/18/03 2:52 AM Pacific Standard Time Message-id:
><[email protected]>

(snip)

>Boredom is probably the biggest problem. Daytime TV is unwatchable, and I think I would rather be
>_in_ a war than watch an hour of CNN endlessly speculating about one. I usually manage a level of
>intensity that makes it difficult for me to read.
>
>John Riley

How about books on tape (or on Cd)? Should be available at your local library, at least in a
limited way.

 

John:

I have a set of Kreitler rollers that I sometimes use with my V-Rex, and a fork stand if I don't
want to bother to balance. That said, however, I haven't used them in over a year. My indoor
exercise is almost entirely limitted to a Concept II rowing machine, because of the "full body"
workout it gives me. There's still the boredom problem though. I usually exercise around 7 to 8 PM,
so the TV is better at that hour. With GERD I have to eat after exercise though, which is a bit of a
nuisance starting dinner at 9PM. GERD isn't such a problem on the bike.

--
--Scott [email protected] Cut the "tail" to send email.

"John Riley" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> The stationary recumbents usually have very upright seats that are designed more for durability
> and easy cleaning rather than comfort. That said, I have managed an hour on one, and probably will
> again today. The other thing is I can't really hammer on it or my knees hurt because the Q factor
> is so high on these things.
>
> You have a much wider range of choices about seats and bike configuartion with road recumbents.
>
> Boredom is probably the biggest problem. Daytime TV is unwatchable, and I think I would rather be
> _in_ a war than watch an hour of CNN endlessly speculating about one. I usually manage a level of
> intensity that makes it difficult for me to read.
>
> John Riley

 

Are you guys at RANS, Bacchetta, Vision, Easy Racers listening to this? I smell an opportunity to
sell a few seats to the stationary bike insdustry!

 

In article <[email protected]>, "Freewheeling" says...
>
>I have a set of Kreitler rollers that I sometimes use with my V-Rex, and a fork stand if I don't
>want to bother to balance. That said, however, I haven't used them in over a year. My indoor
>exercise is almost entirely limitted to a Concept II rowing machine, because of the "full body"
>workout it gives me.

Wow, you actually USE your rowing machine? I don't think I've ever encountered a human who actually
used their rowing machine for more than about two weeks before parking it forever. Way to go!

Steve

 

tellme who strikes the deal, and sign be up to buy their bike.. Might look into adapting a RANS seat
to our recumbo trainer myself. "Seth Jayson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Are you guys at RANS, Bacchetta, Vision, Easy Racers listening to this? I smell an opportunity to
> sell a few seats to the stationary bike insdustry!

 

Recumbent butt burn is a common experience especially to entry level recumbent riders. Still happens
to me after a hard effort. Your weight is on the muscle group doing the most work. Upright style
recumbent seating makes it worse. Laid back style puts more weight on the back yet this style not
often found in gyms. Web or sling seats distribute the load over a wider area reducing the problem.
Proper leg length adjustment is very important. Maybe even more important then on an upright bike in
that with a recumbent your stuck between a rock (seat) and a hard place (pedals) As a recumbent
racer I say seat adjustment is plus or minus 1/4" in order to get proper power and not grind the
body down. For indoor workouts I use my road bike. Fit is perfect that way. I hope you haven't
gotten the wrong impression of recumbents from a stationary gym experience. Happy cycling Speedy

"(Pete Cresswell)" wrote:

> Based on my experience with exercise bikes vs my MTB, I'd guess not - but the question still has
> to be asked.
>
> At the gym the other day, I tried an hour on one of thier stationary 'bents (PreCor).
>
> If a real 'bent is anything like that, I couldn't do it. My bony butt was aching from about the
> first 20 minutes on - and before winter set in, I was doing 2-3 hours 3-4 times a week on my MTB
> with no problem.
>
> Is the stationary 'bent in the gym anywhere near a fair test?
> -----------------------
> PeteCresswell

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S., I agree. Adjust it a smidgeon at a time and when it's right it's like having an extra gear. bill
"rotors make good bookends" g
P.S. How many R-100's did you build ;-) First one I did the guy in the next bay filled the exhaust
with water. I almost cried when it all came blowing out when the thing started.

"S. Delaire \"Rotatorrecumbent\"" wrote:
>

> Proper leg length adjustment is very important. Maybe even more important then on an upright bike
> in that with a recumbent your stuck between a rock (seat) and a hard place (pedals) As a recumbent
> racer I say seat adjustment is plus or minus 1/4" in order to get

 

Haven't thought about or seen a R-100 for awhile. The lightest version of the first Mazda's. We
stuffed a 400 horse, 13B motor in one. Nothing like the thrill of the throttle! A bit tweaky but
what a gas. Instead of water in the tail pipe we had a joker that would fill the pipes with
firecrackers when the motor was out. It would sometimes take a while before they went off. Going
down the road and then bang, bang. Speedy

a&b wrote:

> S., I agree. Adjust it a smidgeon at a time and when it's right it's like having an extra gear.
> bill "rotors make good bookends" g
> P.S. How many R-100's did you build ;-) First one I did the guy in the next bay filled the exhaust
> with water. I almost cried when it all came blowing out when the thing started.
>
> "S. Delaire \"Rotatorrecumbent\"" wrote:
> >
>
> > Proper leg length adjustment is very important. Maybe even more important then on an upright
> > bike in that with a recumbent your stuck between a rock (seat) and a hard place (pedals) As a
> > recumbent racer I say seat adjustment is plus or minus 1/4" in order to get

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S., Well, me neither for that matter. We built a bunch of 12A's and then did a bunch of 13B
shortblock warranty exchanges. I bet you were one of the folks that were tapping spark plugs
higher in the housings to get a better kick over the top when the second pair fired. At 12-16k rpm
those suckers would hit their stride. They also would suck a Big Mac or fries down the secondaries
and when that hit the thermal reactor, make the shop smell like Micky D's. Almost as much fun was
a bunch of washers on the secondaries. Set the spring tension to where they opened a little later,
and you could lift a wheel when they seized. Hey, this was all in the name of science, and besides
we were sending the cores back to Mazda. billg

"S. Delaire \"Rotatorrecumbent\"" wrote:
>
> Haven't thought about or seen a R-100 for awhile. The lightest version of the first Mazda's. We
> stuffed a 400 horse, 13B motor in one. Nothing like the thrill of the throttle! A bit tweaky but
> what a gas. Instead of water in the tail pipe we had a joker that would fill the pipes with
> firecrackers when the motor was out. It would sometimes take a while before they went off. Going
> down the road and then bang, bang. Speedy
>
> a&b wrote:
>
> > S., I agree. Adjust it a smidgeon at a time and when it's right it's like having an extra gear.
> > bill "rotors make good bookends" g
> > P.S. How many R-100's did you build ;-) First one I did the guy in the next bay filled the
> > exhaust with water. I almost cried when it all came blowing out when the thing started.
> >
> > "S. Delaire \"Rotatorrecumbent\"" wrote:
> > >
> >
> > > Proper leg length adjustment is very important. Maybe even more important then on an upright
> > > bike in that with a recumbent your stuck between a rock (seat) and a hard place (pedals) As a
> > > recumbent racer I say seat adjustment is plus or minus 1/4" in order to get
>
> -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1
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